Second witness in poll fraud case vs GMA to be presented

MANILA, Philippines - A second government witness will be presented in the electoral sabotage trial of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo next week. 

Commission on Elections (Comelec) lawyer Charlie Yap told The STAR the cross-examination of their first witness Susan Cabanban will resume Thursday next week at Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 112.

Judge Jesus Mupas reset the trial of Arroyo, former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and lawyer Lintang Bedol to July 25, Aug. 15, and Sept. 19 and 20 after prosecutors informed the court that Cabanban is performing election duties in Mindanao in preparation for the barangay polls in October.

However, defense lawyer Benjamin Santos complained that they were not furnished copies of the prosecution motion and were not able to file their comment.

“While we are invoking the right of the accused to a speedy trial, we cannot do anything because the witness is not present,” he said.

Santos asked Judge Mupas to set the trial every month, considering the number of witnesses lined up against Arroyo.

If they had received the notice early they could have opposed what he perceived as delaying the trial, he added.

The motion was sent to the defense via registered mail.

Santos said with 50 witnesses lined up against Arroyo, the trial could drag on for a long time.

“We denounce these delaying tactics by the prosecution,” he said.

However, Yap said the Comelec had no intention to delay the trial.

The prosecution had presented 15 witnesses during the bail hearings and their testimonies will be adopted, he added.